Good day everyone! It seems I don't currently have the time to write everyday and for that I apologize. With the holiday's quickly approaching I thought it might be a good idea for us to do some quotes pertaining to gratitude, family and the season. I hope you enjoy!
Today's quote:" Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow" Aesop
I have chosen this quote as it is a topic which disturbs me quite a bit in this spoiled generation in which we live, especially at this time of year. When was the last time you took stock of your life and truly appreciated what you have been blessed with? When was the last time you can remember never wanting something more than what you already have? What is and is not truly important to you? These are some of the questions I am asking of myself today to make sure that I am being grateful for all that I have. Would I like to have a new microwave or a bigger house, maybe more money in the bank account? Absolutely. Who wouldn't? But do I necessarily need those things? Not one bit. I would rather have a delicious dinner with my family, under the roof we all share, where everyone enjoyed the company of everyone else and was just happy and content to be in that moment. I would much rather have a heart that is bursting with love and happiness than a full bank account any day of the week. There is too much pressure put on this society to acquire more than we actually need as a sign of success and power. Unfortunately, that means that all too often the things that really matter, like family, love, happiness and the beauty that surrounds us every moment of every day, are sacrificed for that way of life. We are so absorbed in seeking what we are told is the grand prize to realize that without appreciating the smaller things in life and the people who are there to constantly love and support us, that the ultimate prize we have envisioned for ourselves will seem hollow. I invite you all this holiday season to remember why the holidays are so special. It is not for the gifts we will give or receive, but the people and the moments of joy and companionship we will share together.
Namaste, be blessed.
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Friday, 25 November 2011
Worry Wart
Merry Meet! Although I have been struggling these last couple days with the task of writing, this quote caught my attention and seemed to fairly scream "do me! do me!"..lol. So with no further adieu..here is today's quote.
“If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it's not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.” Dalai Lama XIV
I am, admittedly, a constant worrier and sometimes need these gentle reminders to just..let it go. I have stayed up all night many times trying to figure out ways to solve issues in my life and face challenges that may be on my horizon. My husband tells me" what can you accomplish at 2 am when everything is closed and everyone is asleep" and my reply is always that I can think, get a plan in motion inside of my head so that when the time comes I am ready to act. Of course, it never gets me anything except bags under my eyes from lack of sleep because I don't know for certainty how it is all going to play out because it is not currently in motion. While all the world is asleep, so too is whatever the event that has caused me to worry. I think the key to it all is learning to trust. If I can trust in my abilities, trust in others to help where it is needed, trust that everything will be as it NEEDS to be, that there is ALWAYS a solution to every problem that may arise, then there really is no need to worry at all. If I am capable of doing something to change the outcome, then I can take those steps to do so and feel productive and a sense of satisfaction when the problem is then rectified. But since I sometimes can't control what happens, can't control the lessons we each need to learn and the circumstances that herald such knowledge, then what purpose does my worry serve? None. It just drains the energy that I could be spending in a more positive and productive way. I ask you all, try not to worry so much in your lives and try to remember that it is full of possibilities for each and every one of us. As Meryl Streep so cleverly stated in the movie Dark Matter, "Worry is interest paid on trouble that hasn't happened yet".
Namaste, be blessed.
“If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it's not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.” Dalai Lama XIV
I am, admittedly, a constant worrier and sometimes need these gentle reminders to just..let it go. I have stayed up all night many times trying to figure out ways to solve issues in my life and face challenges that may be on my horizon. My husband tells me" what can you accomplish at 2 am when everything is closed and everyone is asleep" and my reply is always that I can think, get a plan in motion inside of my head so that when the time comes I am ready to act. Of course, it never gets me anything except bags under my eyes from lack of sleep because I don't know for certainty how it is all going to play out because it is not currently in motion. While all the world is asleep, so too is whatever the event that has caused me to worry. I think the key to it all is learning to trust. If I can trust in my abilities, trust in others to help where it is needed, trust that everything will be as it NEEDS to be, that there is ALWAYS a solution to every problem that may arise, then there really is no need to worry at all. If I am capable of doing something to change the outcome, then I can take those steps to do so and feel productive and a sense of satisfaction when the problem is then rectified. But since I sometimes can't control what happens, can't control the lessons we each need to learn and the circumstances that herald such knowledge, then what purpose does my worry serve? None. It just drains the energy that I could be spending in a more positive and productive way. I ask you all, try not to worry so much in your lives and try to remember that it is full of possibilities for each and every one of us. As Meryl Streep so cleverly stated in the movie Dark Matter, "Worry is interest paid on trouble that hasn't happened yet".
Namaste, be blessed.
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Gotta Have Faith
Good day all. I have been away dealing with an injury so I hope you will all understand my delay in writing.I have struggled with just the right quote to cover what is uppermost in my mind today but I have come up with this one..."Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe. " Voltaire
What is it to truly have faith in something, to believe, without a doubt, of it's existence? Now, I am not strictly talking about a religious faith here, I am speaking about faith in all it's guises. Do you have faith in yourself? Your family? Do you have faith in the future or in your ability to overcome anything that crosses your path? I know I do. I know that I have a purpose and that the Universe will see to all my needs. I know that I will do what I was born to do, carry the burdens I was created to shoulder and be all that I need to be to everyone I need to be it to. I have faith that I am an important part of a bigger picture. I have faith in humanity, knowing that sooner or later we will all get it right and I have faith that my life will be blessed, repeatedly, as it has already been. All these things, I cannot see, or touch, not at this moment anyway, but I believe, with my entire being, that these things are a certainty. Just as I know the sun will rise and set, that the seasons will change and that the tides will turn, I know these things too, are a part of my reality. Having faith gives our lives a sense of enchantment, of possibilities and hope. It is fuels our souls and gives our existence meaning beyond what can readily be experienced in this moment. I pray that everyone can find some faith in some one or something and let it guide you towards a future of bliss.
Namaste
What is it to truly have faith in something, to believe, without a doubt, of it's existence? Now, I am not strictly talking about a religious faith here, I am speaking about faith in all it's guises. Do you have faith in yourself? Your family? Do you have faith in the future or in your ability to overcome anything that crosses your path? I know I do. I know that I have a purpose and that the Universe will see to all my needs. I know that I will do what I was born to do, carry the burdens I was created to shoulder and be all that I need to be to everyone I need to be it to. I have faith that I am an important part of a bigger picture. I have faith in humanity, knowing that sooner or later we will all get it right and I have faith that my life will be blessed, repeatedly, as it has already been. All these things, I cannot see, or touch, not at this moment anyway, but I believe, with my entire being, that these things are a certainty. Just as I know the sun will rise and set, that the seasons will change and that the tides will turn, I know these things too, are a part of my reality. Having faith gives our lives a sense of enchantment, of possibilities and hope. It is fuels our souls and gives our existence meaning beyond what can readily be experienced in this moment. I pray that everyone can find some faith in some one or something and let it guide you towards a future of bliss.
Namaste
Saturday, 19 November 2011
In Our Own Hands
I hope everyone is enjoying their Saturday..today's quote: "All of life is a journey; which paths we take, what we look back on, and what we look forward to is up to us. We determine our destination, what kind of road we will take to get there, and how happy we are when we get there." Patrick Whiteside "The Little Book of Happiness"
There are so many people in this world who have the misfortune of thinking that they have no power or control over their lives. They allow life to lead them where it will, content in being pulled along by it's currents on a trajectory to an unknown destination. Whether it is because of age, sex, religion, race or circumstance, too many people forget that it is THEIR lives, that THEY are in control and that THEY have the power to alter their circumstances, their perceptions, their course and their attitudes towards a destination of THEIR choosing. Now, I am not saying that it will be easy, in fact I think it is probably one of the most difficult things a person will ever do. The first step in the process is the realization that you are not where you want to be. Perhaps you don't enjoy your job and have always pictured yourself doing something else for a living. Maybe you are not happy with the place you live and have always wanted to pick up and start again somewhere new. These alterations to your way of life can be as simple as deciding you will no longer eat a certain way to as complex as changing the very person you are by removing the things in your life that you feel are holding you back. Once you have realized these things, then the time comes to make a plan to actually change them. This is where your determination will come in to play. How badly do you want it? What are you willing to sacrifice to get it? What obstacles will you have to overcome to achieve it? You will have to make sure that you are willing to put in the work, endure whatever hardships may come because of it and push past them to obtain it. You have to be focused on that goal by not letting anyone or anything deter you from reaching it but you also have to be grateful, acknowledging the people and situations that have helped you along the way. Life is always a better place when you have people to share it with. There is no glory in alienating those who have loved and supported you, only regret and sorrow, which too, can be changed. We can all be anything we want to be, have whatever life we want to have and reach for the stars. It is within OUR power to do so. I wish you all the strength and courage to reach for your dreams and to live them out in happiness.
Namaste
There are so many people in this world who have the misfortune of thinking that they have no power or control over their lives. They allow life to lead them where it will, content in being pulled along by it's currents on a trajectory to an unknown destination. Whether it is because of age, sex, religion, race or circumstance, too many people forget that it is THEIR lives, that THEY are in control and that THEY have the power to alter their circumstances, their perceptions, their course and their attitudes towards a destination of THEIR choosing. Now, I am not saying that it will be easy, in fact I think it is probably one of the most difficult things a person will ever do. The first step in the process is the realization that you are not where you want to be. Perhaps you don't enjoy your job and have always pictured yourself doing something else for a living. Maybe you are not happy with the place you live and have always wanted to pick up and start again somewhere new. These alterations to your way of life can be as simple as deciding you will no longer eat a certain way to as complex as changing the very person you are by removing the things in your life that you feel are holding you back. Once you have realized these things, then the time comes to make a plan to actually change them. This is where your determination will come in to play. How badly do you want it? What are you willing to sacrifice to get it? What obstacles will you have to overcome to achieve it? You will have to make sure that you are willing to put in the work, endure whatever hardships may come because of it and push past them to obtain it. You have to be focused on that goal by not letting anyone or anything deter you from reaching it but you also have to be grateful, acknowledging the people and situations that have helped you along the way. Life is always a better place when you have people to share it with. There is no glory in alienating those who have loved and supported you, only regret and sorrow, which too, can be changed. We can all be anything we want to be, have whatever life we want to have and reach for the stars. It is within OUR power to do so. I wish you all the strength and courage to reach for your dreams and to live them out in happiness.
Namaste
Friday, 18 November 2011
Breaking the Pain Barrier
Good Morning everyone, today's quote: "Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding." Khalil Gibran
I am almost positive that this quote has more to do with emotional and mental pain however this could pertain to physical pain as well. If one were to break their arm climbing a tree for example, they would then understand the dangers of climbing a tree. The repercussions of choices made and the pain those choices can cause us and other people, are swathed in lessons just waiting for our acknowledgement. A broken heart for instance, can teach us to to be more careful about who we give our emotional selves to and to what extent we allow them to get to know us. Although these things are painful to have to go through, and I do not wish pain on anyone, the things pain can teach us about ourselves and those around us are invaluable lessons. We learn through pain what we are capable of, how far we can go before it's too much, how much we are able to endure and what we can overcome. We learn to listen to our bodies when pain signals that we may be injured or ill and we learn to listen to our instincts by learning who we can trust and what the face of malice may look like when we have been the target of those wishing us harm. There is an abundance of knowledge to be gained by the events in our lives that because of the pain they cause, most people would look at as unfortunate or cruel. I invite you all, the next time you are suffering from any sort of pain, to look within and see what it is teaching you at that moment. Perhaps by threading it in silver lining, the more positive aspects can replace some of the impact the damage has caused with a sense of understanding and peace.
Namaste, I wish you all peace and a wealth of blessings this day.
I am almost positive that this quote has more to do with emotional and mental pain however this could pertain to physical pain as well. If one were to break their arm climbing a tree for example, they would then understand the dangers of climbing a tree. The repercussions of choices made and the pain those choices can cause us and other people, are swathed in lessons just waiting for our acknowledgement. A broken heart for instance, can teach us to to be more careful about who we give our emotional selves to and to what extent we allow them to get to know us. Although these things are painful to have to go through, and I do not wish pain on anyone, the things pain can teach us about ourselves and those around us are invaluable lessons. We learn through pain what we are capable of, how far we can go before it's too much, how much we are able to endure and what we can overcome. We learn to listen to our bodies when pain signals that we may be injured or ill and we learn to listen to our instincts by learning who we can trust and what the face of malice may look like when we have been the target of those wishing us harm. There is an abundance of knowledge to be gained by the events in our lives that because of the pain they cause, most people would look at as unfortunate or cruel. I invite you all, the next time you are suffering from any sort of pain, to look within and see what it is teaching you at that moment. Perhaps by threading it in silver lining, the more positive aspects can replace some of the impact the damage has caused with a sense of understanding and peace.
Namaste, I wish you all peace and a wealth of blessings this day.
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Taking a risk
Good morning one and all. Today's quote is by one of my all-time favorite authors, Anais Nin. "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom".
I am sure that everyone has had those moments in their lives where they had to take a risk in order to gain something positive in their lives. I know that I have sat at those crossroads many times myself, afraid to make the necessary changes that will improve my situation, yet loathe to let the circumstances remain as they are. It is never an easy fence to be sitting on and can sometimes actually do more harm than good to us when we are indecisive about what we want for ourselves and our lives. While we wait for our courage to build or the moment to be perfect, we can become complacent with the way things are. Complacency can lead us down the road of self-deterioration because we are no longer taking stock of our lives, goals, dreams or ambitions. We begin to settle and claim that this is just our lot in life, that nothing can or will improve and we begin to make excuses for ourselves and our choices. These actions are the product of our fear. All the "what if I fail" scenarios coming to the forefront of our minds. We become overwhelmed and frightened, hesitant to make that leap from the fence to the changes that await us. This limbo can be more detrimental to our well beings than any cost we may have to endure to change. When we make the conscious decision to go into an unknown territory or direction in our lives, we open ourselves up to a whole new world of experiences. We have the opportunity to learn and grow, to become more of the person we always envision ourselves to be and less of that frightened person who used to stare back at us in the mirror. We can expand our minds, renew our beliefs and fill the empty spaces within us that at one time felt all consuming and unchangeable. Our perceptions and attitudes on life can change and we can become enhanced in all areas of our existence. Personally, I think the pro's outweigh the con's tenfold and hopefully, this will give you something to ponder at the very least when you're calculating your own choices and thinking about the changes you want to make to better your life and situation.
Namaste
I am sure that everyone has had those moments in their lives where they had to take a risk in order to gain something positive in their lives. I know that I have sat at those crossroads many times myself, afraid to make the necessary changes that will improve my situation, yet loathe to let the circumstances remain as they are. It is never an easy fence to be sitting on and can sometimes actually do more harm than good to us when we are indecisive about what we want for ourselves and our lives. While we wait for our courage to build or the moment to be perfect, we can become complacent with the way things are. Complacency can lead us down the road of self-deterioration because we are no longer taking stock of our lives, goals, dreams or ambitions. We begin to settle and claim that this is just our lot in life, that nothing can or will improve and we begin to make excuses for ourselves and our choices. These actions are the product of our fear. All the "what if I fail" scenarios coming to the forefront of our minds. We become overwhelmed and frightened, hesitant to make that leap from the fence to the changes that await us. This limbo can be more detrimental to our well beings than any cost we may have to endure to change. When we make the conscious decision to go into an unknown territory or direction in our lives, we open ourselves up to a whole new world of experiences. We have the opportunity to learn and grow, to become more of the person we always envision ourselves to be and less of that frightened person who used to stare back at us in the mirror. We can expand our minds, renew our beliefs and fill the empty spaces within us that at one time felt all consuming and unchangeable. Our perceptions and attitudes on life can change and we can become enhanced in all areas of our existence. Personally, I think the pro's outweigh the con's tenfold and hopefully, this will give you something to ponder at the very least when you're calculating your own choices and thinking about the changes you want to make to better your life and situation.
Namaste
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Honesty
Good day everyone. Today's blog is dedicated to Howard, a man who has inspired me with his simple act of honesty.
Today's quote: "A lie will easily get you out of a scrape, and yet, strangely and beautifully, rapture possesses you when you have taken the scrape and left out the lie." Charles Edward Montague, Disenchantment
There is no doubt about it, being honest can be one of the hardest things a person ever does. There are consequences to it, for taking that responsibility and claiming that truth. Such is the reason so many people go about their lives trying to avoid it. It can have harsh penalties; the loss of a relationship, position or enterprise or perhaps hurting someone you love or respect. Often times those we are honest with react as if we have betrayed them, when in fact our ability to be honest with them has actually solidified their importance to us. Yes, honesty is a double edged sword sometimes and some might wonder why we tell the truth at all. Lying can be so much easier on us. It can make us seem more important, make others think we are more valuable to them and mask the things that can hurt. It can get us out of trouble and get us the things we think we want and need out of life. But even the best liars in the world cannot stop the inevitability of those lies being found out and when that happens, the damage done by the act is so much worse than it would have been if we had just simply told the truth. Lying diminishes us as human beings. It belittles not only ourselves but those we have lied to. It disrespects the foundations of our relationships and causes mistrust. It falsifies our character and dirties our very souls. It hurts those we love and changes their perceptions of not only the person who has lied to them, but every other human being on the planet as well, causing a riff in humanity. Lying is a poison to our entire species, causing illness to the mind, heart and soul of everyone. It takes courage to stand up and take responsibility, especially knowing that there will be consequences to our actions. When we are honest with ourselves and those around us, we are defining our characters, showing our intelligence and honoring each other. I would much rather be someone that people can trust and look up to than someone who ends up all alone in this world because their motives are questionable and tainted. Who would you rather be?
Namaste , may you forever be blessed
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